Mrs. Miniver

Mrs. Miniver captures a gunned-down Nazi pilot, comforts her children in an air-raid shelter during a night of relentless bombing, endures the loss of home and family and, in doin so, delivers a morale-boosting portrait of indomitable British resolve.

Opinion

From the critics

Community Activity

Comment

I rented this movie because TCM was showing the sequel, "the Miniver story". This movie sets the stage and is a good classic. The strength displayed by the Minivers in the bomb shelter in front of their home during a bombing episode and the whole bit about the rose displayed at the flower event was very touching. I believe I enjoyed "The Miniver Story " which occurs after the war even more than this movie. However, it did seem odd to me that the son didn't have a part in the sequel and wasn't acknowledged until I read the comment below about the actress and actor's marriage after the first movie; I guess that was unacceptable to Hollywood or more likely they worried it would turn off audiences; and I suspect it would have. .

The thing that most impresses me about this film is that William Wyler specifically made it in order to directly motivate Americans to join the war effort against the Nazis, and incredibly, he achieved what he set out to do, as it was highly influential. His later film, "The Best Years of Our Lives", is one of my all-time favorites.

Age Suitability

Quotes

(Carol and Vin have entered a heated debate about aristocracy and the poor) Carol Beldon: "...What have *you* been doing?" Vin Miniver: "I? I, uh..." Carol Beldon: "I see... Just talk. Well, that's alright -- it's easy." Vin Miniver: "Listen, I didn't say anything about-" Carol Beldon: "-Oh, don't apologize! I know how comfortable it is to curl up with a nice, fat book, full of big words and think you're going to solve all the problems of the universe. But you're not, you know. A bit of action is required now and then." Vin Miniver: "Action! Well, if that's what you and your class are asking for, maybe you'll get it one of these days." Carol Beldon: "Maybe. But not from the talkers." (Vin storms off in a huff)